METHODS: Specimens of metallurgically prepared eta' Cu-Sn phase were tested in synthetic saliva using electrochemical methods. Mercury was absorbed on the surface by exposure to mercury vapor, and the changes in the corrosion potential and anodic polarization characteristics were determined. Galvanic currents between eta' specimens and a high-copper dental amalgam were measured for both Hg-free and Hg-contaminated eta' electrodes.

RESULTS: The Hg-free eta' phase showed a wide region of passivity. Exposure to mercury made the eta' phase electrochemically more active, and current peaks appeared on the polarization curves. The Hg-free eta' electrode was a cathode to a high-copper dental amalgam. The Hg-contaminated eta' electrode started also as a cathode, but became anode after a period of exposure.

SIGNIFICANCE: It was concluded that mercury destabalizes the protective passive film on the eta' phase, making the phase more susceptible to corrosion in the oral environment. The results of the galvanic current measurements seem to indicate that the galvanic interaction between eta' and the other phases facilitates the mercury-related degradation.